Any Witches Here? Part 16

[speakout]

Or Wiccans. or Pagans? Or anyone who is interested in a magical path or feels some magical stirrings.

A place for support, learning, swapping ideas and magical inspiration.

Oh, loves, I've just been reading and catching up and I've missed you all again - where does the time go?

I've been a bit up and down, with three losses of pets belonging to friends and family and suffering from burn out - yesterday tried to go out with friends and couldn't get further than my front door. So doing lots of self care and gentleness - tea and tarot and early nights!

Went to a wonderful pagan fair a couple of weeks ago and came home with some beautiful art and a little hare pin, and a sheaf of cards for future gifts and treats. Am debating booking a stall at the next one for my own magical photos but that also feels scary...

Speakout I know it was ages ago but that Beltane festival! One of my closest friends who is also witchy lives in Edinburgh so I think I might have to try and wiggle that into next year's travels. Your DD's new flat also sounds glorious.

Queenrollo I sympathise with noisy sleepers, I've actually found it really hard just having friends to stay (my house is perfectly formed but tiny) this year. Is there any mileage in using a speaker to play white/brown noise or similar, whichever frequency you find most soothing, so there is some kind of sound to drown out his noise, or would that double the problem? (My Alexa does it and so does Spotify, or YouTube). On a different note your headdress and festival adventures sound amazing, may we have a sneak peek at the headdress? And oo - I reckon we are similar ages, my last Reading festival was 2003!

Violet ooh you've reminded me a connection of mine here does cacao ceremonies but I've never been to one - maybe I should add that to this year's experiences? Have you been to one? And your weekend in Cornwall sounds perfect, I'm a fair weather mermaid but the Cornish coast has a piece of my heart in all weathers.

RiverRats YES I am always the default person children are drawn to, despite determinedly not having any of my own, and at big family or friend get togethers I look like the Pied Piper 😂 so glad it's not just me! Bestie says it's part of my magic, I think it's just that I never did grow up...

Welcome PaintingClocks, you've found the very loveliest bit of the internet :)

I've done the thing where I had loads of things to reply to and can't remember them all so will have to double post 😳

But given I've already massively outed myself in previous posts, I guess there's no harm in attaching my most recent hair photos - I sympathise with all the hair dye issues, I am impulsive and have very dark hair so it's been... interesting... over the years. Then I met my current hairdresser who is an actual miracle worker, and now I am regularly astounded when I look in the mirror 😍

Wishing you all bright, happy and peaceful weeks, sisters x

RiverRats thank you for listening 💙

That's what I meant to say, speakout you often write beautifully here and your words make me think, but these ones I am printing for my inspiration wall, because they are so true... and you're right about the ripples we all make too. (Hope that's ok!)

Take a large spoonful of self compassion, pour the salve of self love onto those places that sting or feel jagged to carry. We do so much, discard those phoney measuring sticks that suggest we don’t make the mark or our time is being wasted. We live, we love, that is enough, many of the current ideas of success are nothing more than flimflam.

@hilariousnamehere I absolutely love your hair. I don't have the guts to do it!

@hilariousnamehere oh wow your hair!!

My husband can't tolerate noise in the background in the bedroom (ironic hey?) I do have a bluetooth headband with headphones in but it irritates the hell out of me when I am sleeping so then that wakes me.
He was coughing last night, unfortunately everything goes to his chest....so at 11.30 I took decisive action and decamped to the sofa-bed. It did mean I woke up so had to wind down all over again. I have discovered Dark Academia playlists on youtube which combine music with ambient sound and so I find they lull me to sleep, or I listen to audiobooks. Mostly Terry Pratchett!

Anyway it's school morning madness here so I need to get a wriggle on.

Hilariousnamehere your hair looks amazing! Serious hair envy here! It's lovely to see you again. Sorry you've been through a rough spell and really sad to hear about the loss of your pets.

Cacao ceremonies - yes, I've been to few, they're fabulous! Cacao is a gentle medicine that opens your heart and makes you more receptive to joy. So the whole experience; meditation, yoga, euphoric dance, feels even more powerful. So go if you get a chance

Queenrollo you have my every sympathy. My exP was a snorer and it used to drive me insane. I've lived on my own for 7 years now and I don't think I could ever go back to sharing a bed. A couple of my friends have separate rooms from their partners for this reason and say their marriage is better as a result. Lack of sleep is awful and you can't help but feel murderous resentful towards the snorer.

Hills I've just searched Garland Day as I hadn't heard of it. Looks great fun! So let us know if you go.

Speakout was the witchy shop in Edinburgh old town? If so, I think I know where you mean. Lilac syrup sounds lush, are you going to have a go at making some?

Right, I'd better get my skates on as it's time to start work and I've got another busy day ahead. Sending a sprinkle of magic to take you through your days 💫

Ahh thanks loves! Hair is faded now after a few months but still has colour and still makes me smile - and has made me braver because now I know any cock ups I make can be covered 😂

Thankfully my own two delinquent kitties are still very much alive and well, if somewhat disgusted with my emotional extra cuddles this week 😂

I hope you're all having lovely Mondays, and @VioletCharlotte that sounds amazing, I will look up the lady who does it and see if she's started again post pandemic :)

@TurquoiseDreamCatcher aw thank you! I started off with an inch of blue at the very ends of my hair and have got slowly braver ever few months. This one is only my third all over colour but now it feels weird having normal hair 😂

I am another who loves your hair hilariousnamehere, it is stunning, and so healthy and glossy. Thanks for your kind comments about my post- I am flattered that you have found them supportive. X
VioletCharlotte I am not sure if this it the witchy shop you mean- there is another one in the Royal Mile, called Wyrd, the one I was at yesterday is called Black Moon Botanica, also in the Old Town, on Candlemaker Row, just near Greyfriars Bobby statue and Churchyard. blackmoonbotanica.co.uk/
I bought a fragrance too- a blend called Witch Wood, it is divine.
I will make some lilac syrup- or even Lilac wine ( I feel a song coming on!)- I will kepp you posted.
I am feeling very grounded today, after a weekend of deep self care, loads of sleep, good nutritious food, yoga, hypnotherapy, meditation. I am feeling strong and centred. There is still some negative energy and chaos around, but I am not owning any of it- I am in my protective bubble of calm and light- my drawbridge is firmly up to unwanted visitors!
Wishing everyone an enchanted week. X

Thank you for the welcomes, what a lovely little corner of MN🥰
@hilariousnamehere I’m so sorry about your losses but I’m glad to hear you’re being gentle on yourself. Your hair is amazing!

I’m feeling drained so far this week I’m 15 weeks with my 2nd DC and am still feeling really exhausted. I’m trying to get out and in the fresh air as much as possible though. I think some yoga and meditation will be in store for me tonight.

@PaintingClocks I'm another expecting witch. I'm fairly quiet on here these days because I'm so tired. I am enjoying being forced to rake life at a slower, I'm finding that I am enjoying life so much more than before.

Congratulations! When are you due if you don’t mind me asking?.
I do find pregnancy forces you into taking things slower which is a blessing. I had a lotus birth with my daughter and it took a week for her placenta to separate which meant we had to be really slow with the recovery. It was wonderful though it felt like when her placenta separated she was ready to properly join the world. I hope to do the same this time around :).

Sorry for derailing with baby chat

PaintingClocks you are not derailing at all, many of us are mothers here or just curious, I have heard of a Lotus birth, I am glad it was a positive experience.
Magic is contined in the everyday here, talk about babies and children is welcome, we talk of many things here, food, mental health, family, hair, gardens, work, all from a magical perspective. I worked for 12 years as a breastfeeding counsellor after I had my babies, Goddess- energy in the raw- as is pregnancy and childbirth.
What you hopefully won't find here is anyone telling you that your choices are wrong- we are a very accepting and curious coven!

@PaintingClocks I am due in September, although I'll be surprised if I make it past August. My first DD arrived 5 weeks early and I don't think this one wants to wait until full term either. I knew instinctively that my eldest would be early.

I would like to say that DD's birth was natural but she decided to arrive in a great hurry and was breech. That's why I'm determined yo take it easy this time! I need to be kind to my body.

Babies aren't derailing, we cover every nook and cranny of life and its quirks over here, and babies are pretty magical in themselves :) (says the childfree one with 29 first cousins 😂 they're great, I've just done enough child rearing already!) Congratulations both of you 😍

And thank you speakout 💙 your words are now pinned on my noticeboard too - wonderful timing as I've been exhausted and dulling my brain with lots of scrolling on social media, which never fails to make me feel like I'm not enough / not doing enough / not achieving enough even though I actually work wonders (small ones but important nonetheless) in an average day, so you really struck a chord with me. And flim flam is just the best description! x

Hello, all! Where does the time go! I've had real trouble using this site the past week, for some reason I couldn't click on many links and was effectively 'trapped'. Sorted it now, but typical Mercury retrograde!
@hilariousnamehere your hair is stunning! I absolutely love anything rainbow!
And @speakout , like others, your words have been indispensable to me in sorting the wheat from the chaff during an uncertain phase, many thanks!

The wind is high today, which is great for me as my Witchy 'mojo' had gone walkabout for a little while, and this weather is so good for sending wishes and intentions!

Nature wise, the birds have been very busy collecting mealworms from us to feed their young, but sadly only one blackbird chick made it so far. However, we have 2 sets of Robins beaking furiously, so I am hoping for a wee chick explosion there! And our resident squirrel, Daisy, is pregnant (again!) and in between feeds, she lies flat on her front on cool surfaces. I suspect she is having boob trouble, which I can sympathise with!
I am sending blessings on the wind to you all!

Ah great I’m glad I’m not derailing☺️.

@speakout you are so right about the raw goddess energy. I plan on breastfeeding both DC’s as long as they want me to and I’ll be quite sad as this is my last baby and the idea of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding being over upsets me a bit. Being so connected with one person is so magical but I’m sure it’s just as magical watching that person grow into a wonderful human being🥰. Thank you again, lotus birthing was something we approached with caution and I was prepared to stop if there was any risk of infection or similar but it worked so well for us.

@TurquoiseDreamCatcher not long to go now then! DD was 3 days early which surprised me as everyone says you go overdue with your first. Birth is magical no matter what form it comes in, definitely be kind to your body and listen to it. It knows what to do❤️

@hilariousnamehere ah thank you. Wow I think I may have met someone with a family as big as mine😂. I get the feeling like you’ve already done a lot of child rearing! I’m the oldest on my dads side and by the time I was 13 I felt like I’d raised all my younger siblings and cousins😂 (it didn’t help that my family were a bit rubbish at the parenting thing)

@AnotherCrazyBirdLady fingers crossed for lots of baby robins!. I hate when baby birds die, not long ago one fell from the tree next to us and it was so young it had no feathers, it’s buried in our garden now with a little gravestone❤️

I’m currently reading ‘Witchcraft, A Secret History’ and it’s incredible, I’d definitely recommend it if any of you haven’t read it already.

We left very early this morning to visit Bath for the goddess Sulis. The weather has turned out to be gorgeous.

Hello everyone. Gosh - more than a few new names here! Has it been that long? Yes I guess it has! Life has been pretty chaotic unfortunately and my internetting has taken rather a back seat.

@PaintingClocks The temple is wonderful isn't it (one of the few perks of living near Bath is the free entry into the Roman Baths).

It's obviously the time of year for visiting Roman temples - I was at the temple to Nodens at Lydney Glos this week. It was lovely as usual. As it's almost always closed other than for a few weeks in May, it was very calm and peaceful.

@hilariousnamehere I love your hair! I wish I was brave enough to do that. I content myself now with some very red streaks in my hair.

So good to see you again Elphame, I am glad all is well with you.

Good morning sisters. So lovely to see some new faces and old friends* 😊 *

Paintingclocks and Turquoisedreamcatcher you're certainly not derailing with the baby talk...what could be more magical than creating new life? It was my DS2's 21st this week so I've been reminiscing about my pregnancies and birth experiences. People always tell you to 'make the most of it while they're small as the time flies by', and I used to laugh back then when I was sleep deprived knee deep in nappies. But honestly, it's so true, I can't get my head around the fact I'm now a Mum to two grown men!

Elphame it's wonderful to hear from you. I've added the Roman temple at Bath to my growing list of places to visit. Sorry life has been hectic, I hope you get some time to recharge your batteries over the weekend.

I've been sleeping like a goddess this week. Deep, restorative sleep with dreams filled with faces from the past. I've jotted down some notes and plan to spend some time later today journalling to try and make sense of what I've been shown - I feel there's a message there!

But for now, it's time to get up and get ready for my Body Pump class. Weekend blessings to you all.

VioletCharlotte I am glad you have had a good week. It's been a busy weekend for me work wise, but managed to get to a yoga class every day. The Roman temple at Bath sounds amazing, I would love to visit. I hope you enjoyed your day PaintingClocks.
It has been quite chilly this weekend, bright and sunny, but a cold wind. set for another cool week.
I did buy my witch weather vane, now perched in a high spot in my garden, next to the three sycamore sisters for company. I love the way she moves in the wind.
I have been having fun experimenting with new simmer pot recipes, trying combinations and quantities, I also had a mammoth candle making session yesterday, replenishing my supplies.
Off to jump into a spa shower, tangerine and sandalwood today, some warming
fragrances to start my day. I used to find getting ready in the morning a chore, but I have pimped up proceedings with some magical elements, and now it feels like an enchanted ritual. I lay out my clothes before I shower, then light a candle as I dress, put on moisturiser and fix my hair. I usually listen to some uplifting music or affirmations, and will pause to sip my tea and pull some Tarot or oracle cards. I finish with a short meditation. It feels nurturing, and gets my mind into a calm focussed state for the day ahead.
I hope everyone has an enchanted week ahead.

Good morning all! I’ve been getting the updates but since the website changed, I haven’t been able to post. Normal service appears to have been resumed now. Technology!

Your messages are all so inspirational - I’m definitely going to aim for a more mindful and magical start to my day instead of rushing about in a grump. I do like to choose my clothes to reflect the moods of the weather and my own internal state but sometimes all the other things feel like chores rather than self care.

I’m in the middle of clearing out my late mum’s house and waiting to sell it. We had a professional clearance company for the last bit and seeing the rooms empty afterwards was powerful and quite liberating. I had prepared a salt and water blessing including water from a local sacred spring. It felt good to be able to offer the house thanks and good will.

Speakout I enjoyed reading about your morning routine, it served as a reminder to be to be more mindful in my approach to mornings. I tend to go on autopilot in the mornings, but after reading your post I decided to take the time to sip my coffee and savour the taste and put some music in while brushing my hair.

CraftyCorvid good to see you and glad your tech issues are sorted. Clearing out your late Mum's house must be pretty emotional, so it's good to hear you're feeling positive about what you've achieved. I love that you've given thanks to the house.

I woke up with a churning, anxious feeling this morning. It's mostly subsided now, but I'm not quite sure what that was about. I've been having lots of strange dreams recently, I've been using Vervier to help with sleep so wonder if this could be why? I need to spend some time looking at what's come up, but I don't feel like I want to go there at the moment for some reason... any advice would be appreciated 😊

@speakout Love the witch weather vane.

It's been a slow start here. A lot of witchy work done last night and I'm wiped out.

I'm also off to the US next week so I am being even more antisocial than usual as I don't want to risk picking up the dreaded virus. I need to have a supervised negative test to fly.

Sorry to post. I usually just lurk here as I’m not properly Wiccan, sorry. I just wanted to say I love your hair @hilariousnamehere and also thanks @speakout for the thread. It’s very inspiring reading everyone’s contributions. Sorry again for butting in!